Members: Amit Halbreich, Michael Dik

Supervisor: Prof. Ori Katz, Prof. Leo Joskowicz

"Hypertension affects about one-third of adults globally, posing significant health risks such as heart disease and stroke. Despite its prevalence, nearly half of those affected are unaware of their condition, underscoring the need for improved monitoring solutions.

Our project aims to develop a non-invasive method for measuring blood pressure that can be seamlessly integrated into smartwatches. This approach enhances awareness and management of hypertension, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The core innovation involves using image processing and infrared (IR) camera technology to measure blood pressure without physical contact. Traditional methods are often cumbersome and invasive. In contrast, our method detects subtle changes in the radial artery's volume, situated within the IR penetration depth, to provide accurate BP readings. The device differentiates arteries from veins, quantifies minute arterial changes, and calculates blood pressure using established formulas.

Our approach involves illuminating the back of the wrist with infrared light and recording a video that captures the radial artery. Advanced image processing techniques identify and quantify changes in the artery's volume over time. Currently, we are focusing on extracting the change in the artery's diameter. Using mathematical equations, we can calculate blood pressure from these changes. The use of IR technology ensures a completely non-invasive, comfortable, and user-friendly experience.

This project offers significant potential by providing an innovative, accessible method for daily blood pressure monitoring, particularly benefiting remote or underserved areas with limited access to traditional healthcare facilities. Integrating our research into smartwatches will make it easier for users to monitor their blood pressure consistently and conveniently, leading to early detection and better management of hypertension."